Meet Grizel Williams |

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grizel Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grizel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Believe it or not, I walked into having my own business—quite literally.

In 2018, after quitting my full-time job as a therapist in Nashville, I pursued my long-time dream of backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail with the support of Thru Hike Syndicate, an ambassador program for long-distance hiking supported by outdoor brands. They gifted me gear that would help get me from Canada to Mexico.

One lonely, rainy day in Northern Washington, I was approached by a couple of section hikers who were interviewing the experiences of folks on the PCT. Being a southbounder, I was still fairly new to the trail, so most of what I shared was how I was dealing with loneliness and fear on a regular basis. They listened eagerly and validated so much of what I was processing.

After the interview was over, I thanked them for their time, shared where I was blogging my adventure, and left the conversation full of hope and even a little pep in my step.

Within 2 months of completing the PCT, I was approached by REI to work on creating content as a **paid** gig.

I was shocked. The person that recommended me: the same writer who had made me feel so seen months prior was a main writer with REI.

As a writer and musician, this opportunity was a dream come true. I really enjoyed integrating mental health into the outdoor space, and the connections I made through sharing these experiences are still some of the most important relationships I have to this day.

With the support of REI, I backpacked the Appalachian Trail, sharing the highs and lows while also considering what the heck I was doing with my life.

As my business grew and opportunities continued to present themselves, I struggled to accept that being an influencer was a business at all.

However, the more I sit with all that has happened over the last 4 years, the more I realize how important it is to represent folks like me- folks who never thought they would have the chance to adventure with their mental health illness; folks who are Brown and don’t see representation in the outdoors— my mission was about them; it’s about us.

I have always believed in human connection because of how much it has impacted me. This connection with others combined with the connection Nature has been one of the most powerful resources that has healed so much of my mental health, and my mission is to support others like me to get outside and experience for themselves in a way that supports THEIR life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mission and my passion is to help folks connect to Nature by giving them resources that are empowering, educative, and backed by science. Growing up, I didn’t have access to the outdoors, so when I became an adult, I was chomping at the bit to get out there and follow my dreams!

The only problem was— I didn’t know what the heck I was doing or how my mental health would impact my adventures.

After a lot of trial and error, I now feel confident in navigating the outdoor space in a way that supports my mental health and keeps me safe. Mother Nature is no joke, and whether there’s mental health illness or other struggles, it’s important to know what gets in the way of our connection with Nature.

As a Latinx therapist and adventurer, I use my platform to not only share my experiences and knowledge but most importantly, to connect with YOU. I love meeting others who find healing in Nature, and I’ve learned that the more we connect with others who are doing the work, the more connected we feel to the planet and to one another.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite parts of living in Moab is that I have friends visiting me regularly. I love taking folks out on jeep roads, hiking in the La Sal mountain Range, mountain biking—and more than anything, I love taking friends into the backcountry. One of the best and scariest feelings is being in the middle of nowhere because it can teach us a lot about our fears and also help us gain the confidence to sit with that fear.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jacey West and I recently started a group for women in the outdoor industry who want to stay accountable for their mental health while balancing social media. I mean this from the bottom of my heart: I would not be here today if it hadn’t been for the THOUSANDS of folks who supported me online, on the trail, and in real life. It takes a village to balance all of life’s struggles with our dreams, and I am eternally grateful for those of you who have continued to see me and believe in my mission.

Website: Blog: grizelcaminas.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/grizelcaminas

Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@grizelcaminas